Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWMThere is a considerable need for the development of reliable and durable components to make raw material extraction from greater depths more efficient and safer. Plain bearings and mechanical seals are key components in pumps that limit the reliability and operating life of subsea equipment. The aim of the SubSeaSlide joint project was to develop and qualify extremely wear-resistant, energy-efficient, and reliable sliding components for subsea applications.
Tribological investigations of diamond-SiC composites for subsea applications – SubSeaSlide
Completed research project
Project description
New technologies, especially electromobility, are leading to a rapidly increasing demand for resources, the security of supply of which is becoming increasingly critical for various reasons. Technologies that enable raw materials to be extracted from the sea in an economical and environmentally friendly manner are therefore becoming enormously important. A major challenge here is ensuring trouble-free operations, as downtime, maintenance, and repairs of marine equipment and systems incur enormous costs. This results in an urgent need for materials and components that function reliably under extreme conditions and require as little maintenance as possible.
Key components in such systems are often bearings and dynamic seals, as these are additionally exposed to high friction and wear stresses. The requirements for these components in terms of service life and reliability are extreme. Materials and components that can meet these requirements are needed for media-lubricated plain bearings and mechanical seals. In the SubSeaSlide joint project, components made of SiC-bonded diamond were developed for this purpose. The material is extremely wear- and corrosion-resistant and therefore ideally suited for media-lubricated applications under extreme conditions.
Transfer of the project results to the following R&D services provided by Fraunhofer IWM for companies:
- Optimization of sliding pairs: Improvement of friction and wear behavior through customized materials and coatings
- Development of wear protection technologies: Development of new technologies and materials that offer high wear resistance and can be used in demanding applications
- Friction optimization: Adaptation of material systems to improve friction behavior in various applications
- Material evaluation and optimization: Evaluation of new materials and coatings with regard to their tribological properties
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